The Buildings
Religious Buildings
South Presentation Convent
Contact Details
| Address | Presentation Provincial Office, Evergreen Street, Cork. |
| Telephone | 021 4975190 |
| Opening Hours | 11.30 am - 4 pm. Tour at 11 am & 2 pm. Please meet at blue door, Douglas Street entrance. |
The South Presentation Convent site is bounded by Abbey St., Douglas St., Evergreen St. and Nicholas St. It is a place of great historical significance being the site where Nano Nagle started her schools for the education of the poor in the second half of the 18th century. She is buried in a simple grave in the Nun’s graveyard behind the chapel.
The oldest structure on the site was built in 1771 by Nano Nagle for the Ursuline order. This modest building, though much extended, survives at the heart of the present convent, and contains several original spaces such as Nano Nagle’s Parlour at ground level and the former chapel on the first floor. The Heritage Room, overlooking the garden is located in a building built for the Ursulines in 1780 where various artifacts and memorabilia are displayed.
The site contains many later structures including accommodation for Presentation Sisters and Brothers, chapels and school buildings giving evidence of the great educational activity which started from this site 250 years ago and has spread to many countries around the world.
The tranquillity and expanse of the gardens is memorable in that it contrasts with the dense enclosed urban fabric of the surrounding area. There are panoramic views of Cork City to the north. The South Presentation Convent complex is impressive in scale, but is relatively unknown to visitors and the citizens of Cork. It is, within its enclosing walls, nothing less than a hidden treasure.
Sr. Rosario Allen will meet interested visitors, fill in the background story of Nano Nagle and the development of the site, and offer a guided tour at 11 am and 2 pm. The extent of the tour will depend on her visitors' interests. The menu could include a visit to Nano's Grave, the South Presentation Garden, the Convent buildings and the heritage room, where Nano's and Presentation artefacts are on display.
The meeting point is at the Blue Door on Douglas Street where the Brass Plate says "South Presentation Convent", to the left and across from the top of Dunbar Street.